Former Alameda County Sheriff Charles Plummer died Sunday, authorities said Monday. He was 87.

“Today we mourn the loss of an American hero,” current Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern said Monday. “Sheriff Plummer was one of the most dedicated and respected law enforcement leaders in our nation. He helped countless people throughout his lifetime and was a great mentor to me and many of my staff. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in all of us who work here.”

Undersheriff Richard T. Lucia asked those who knew Plummer to “(p)lease pray for his soul if it fits with your religious beliefs, or simply think of the wonderful man he was and reflect on your past interactions with him.”

A file photo of Alameda County Sheriff Charles Plummer.

Plummer, who was born in Fort Bragg, began a 54-year career in law enforcement after a chance hitchhiking encounter with a California Highway Patrol officer who told him he would make an excellent officer. Plummer then enrolled in Santa Rosa Junior College and joined the Berkeley Police Department in 1952.

Plummer was a field commander for the Berkeley police when riots broke out at People’s Park in May 1969. One protester was shot and killed by police. “I wish I would have hit some people harder during the riots,” Plummer told this newspaper in 2007. “I regret that.”

In 1976, Plummer was appointed chief of police for Hayward; he served in that role for 10 years before his election as the county’s 21st sheriff in 1986.

Plummer was known for his bluntness. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, he even criticized then-Gov. Gray Davis on national television for revealing that terrorists may have been targeting California bridges.

His distinctive stamp lingers on the sheriff’s department, not just as the only law enforcement department west of the Mississippi River at the time of his retirement to hold national accreditations for bomb squad, health care, law enforcement, corrections and crime lab, but in his own “Cardinal Sins” code of conduct, which said no one who worked for him could accept gratuities, make disparaging racial or ethnic remarks, tell lies or other untruths, use illegal drugs or engage in sexual harassment.

“His biggest legacy would be the Cardinal Sins,” Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. J.D. Nelson said of the code, which all new sheriff’s deputies must read, sign and agree to. “He was tried, tested and true from the beginning of his career to the end.”

Many local officials offered their condolences and remembrances in statements Monday.

Alameda County Administrator Susan Muranishi: “Sheriff Plummer — icon and legend — was a respected leader, mentor, colleague and friend to many, and will be remembered with fond memories and appreciation.”

Alameda County Board of Supervisors President Wilma Chan, District 3: “Charley was the best sheriff we will ever see, law enforcement with compassion and humor. He also was so kind and attentive to me and all Board members. I am sure he will continue to watch and protect from above!”

Alameda County Board of Supervisors Vice President Richard Valle, District 2: “Charley was a man who spoke eloquently and in plain English at the same time. He was one of a kind. I am so sorry to hear of his passing away.”

Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, District 1: “Charley was strong on law and order and also very passionate about serving the needs of those incarcerated. He touched many lives and had a hand in laying a firm foundation at the Sheriff’s Office that’s still in place today. I’m deeply grateful for his mentorship when I first came to the Board of Supervisors. I, along with my fellow board members and the citizens of Alameda County, owe him a debt of gratitude for his entire body of work and years of dedicated of service.”

Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, District 4: “I am so sorry to hear of his passing away. Charley was a fantastic person and quite a Sheriff, bigger than life! May his soul rest in peace of the Lord! We were all enriched by Sheriff Plummer. Please give my sympathy to his family.”

Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, District 5: “Charles Plummer will be missed by all! He lives on in all of the lives he touched!! He was always honest and direct. He left Alameda County a much better place in which to live. While tough on those who broke the law, he believed in rehabilitation. He had a big heart, and played a major role in my improved understanding of real public safety! A devout believer in God, he has now joined his wife with the angels! Charley leaves footprints for others to follow in the sand. God bless.”

Plummer is survived by his daughter, Pamela Rossi (Gale), sons Larry (Lauren) and Chris (Yvonne), eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Very immediate family and close friends will attend a private ceremony.

Donations in Plummer’s honor may be sent to the 100 Club, 767 Brannan Place, Concord, CA 94518, or Salvation Army Hayward Corps, 430 A St., Hayward, CA 94541. Checks should include in memo space “In memory of Charles C. Plummer.”

Cards may be sent to the Plummer family, in care of Undersheriff Rich Lucia, 1401 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612.

Staff writer Thomas Peele contributed to this report. Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.

George Kelly is a breaking news reporter for the Bay Area News Group. He has worked as an online coordinator and, before that, a copy editor and page designer for Bay Area-based newspapers and magazines. Off work, he enjoys playing in bands, busking and karaoke. His first newspaper job was as a Washington Post paperboy.

"He was a human being. He had family, he had dreams, he had hopes. The real duty of one with this type of assignment is to underscore the value of the human life that was taken, which gives the reason the movement was occurring," the civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton said ahead of the gathering.